Friday, April 28, 2017

INFORMATION AND DEMOCRACY

True and timely information is considered as one of the
principal means of knowledgeable and responsible democratic participation
specifically on the part of the citizens in a democratic country. Usually called “Freedom of Information” – this is precisely held as an imperative
element of democracy, subject however to certain conditions specially those
affecting the intelligence service in conjunction with national security. Forms of information as well as instruments
of communications are considered as a combined guarantee of true pluralism in a
real democracy. There is nothing like
ignorance and falsity that undermine freedom of choice, that negate the
principles and implications of democracy.

In this age of social communications through the use of
social media, particular attention and pursuant action should be given to
facilitate and promote not only the right ownership but also the proper use of
these instruments of information/communication by means of just and appropriate
laws. In general, such legislative
provisions should not allow their use particularly for demeaning human dignity
or violating human rights. As a matter
of principle, no individuals or groups thereof, no entities or institutes may
be allowed to use media contrary to social order, to ethical principles as well
as to moral norms – something that needs
no detailed explanation and justification whereas otherwise, it is human
dignity and the pursuant human rights that are usually violated by media abuse,
not to mention social confusion generated by expert media manipulations of
facts and falsehoods. Means of social
communications in the hands of those without conscience but immersed in social
misconduct and maneuvered by evil agents equal the downfall of truth, the reign
of falsity, the misery of democracy.

Among other obstacles that hinder the dissemination of truth
and the knowledge of facts, special attention should be given to news media
controlled by just a few people or groups of individuals with their own errant
agenda in accord with their own but personal interests and objectives. Such a controlled media – specially so when
it is the government itself that desires and designs the control – has markedly
dangerous effects to the democratic system.
What is detestable as well as dangerous is when media control becomes
some kind of a partnership between a suspect government on one hand and
avaricious financial entities on the other.
Duped, ignorant and thus misled, the losers at the end of such a
collusion are none other than the citizens.
To be deceived and to be free – these do
not go hand-in-hand and neither do they promote democracy. Wherefore:

a. “The State recognizes the vital role of
communication and information in nation-building.”(1987 Phil. Constitution,
State Policies, Sec. 24)

b. “Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed
by law, the State adopts and implements a policy of full disclosure of all its
transactions involving public interests.”
(Ibid., Sec. 28)

c. “The right of the people to information on
matters of public concern shall be recognized.
Access to official records, and to documents, and papers pertaining to
official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research
data used as basis for policy development, shall be afforded the citizen,
subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.” (Ibid., Bill of
Rights, Sec. 7)

Oscar Cruz

About The Blogger

Most Reverend Oscar V. Cruz, D.D. is the Archbishop-Emeritus of Lingayen-Dagupan. He is currently the Judicial Vicar of the National Tribunal of Appeals. He is a prolific writer, having published several dozen books mostly on judicial and moral matters. His most recent book is about the Social Doctrines of the Church. He also has a blog where he posts regularly. He is an avid coin collector and dabbles in woodworking art.